US Accusations of Aid Theft in Gaza Contested by Residents and Aid Workers

Gaza strip – The United States government has recently accused Palestinian militant groups, specifically Hamas, of diverting humanitarian aid intended for civilians in the Gaza Strip, contributing to widespread starvation. These accusations, made by US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield on March 21, 2024, allege that Hamas is systematically stealing supplies and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. However, these claims are strongly refuted by residents within Gaza and corroborated by accounts from aid workers on the ground, who point to Israeli restrictions as the primary impediment to aid delivery.

Eyewitness accounts, like those shared by residents who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, describe a situation where the primary obstacle to food security is the limited entry of aid into Gaza. individuals report sharing meager resources within communities, contradicting allegations of hoarding or theft by Palestinian groups. “People here want to live, and they share what little they have,” one resident stated. “We haven’t seen any confiscation of food; it’s the Israeli army preventing it from coming in.”

The crux of the issue lies in the control of border crossings. Currently, the Rafah crossing, historically a vital artery for aid, is often closed or severely restricted.The Kerem Shalom crossing, controlled by Israel, has also faced limitations, wiht aid organizations reporting bureaucratic hurdles and security checks that substantially slow down the delivery process. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in February 2024, the average number of aid trucks entering Gaza per day was significantly lower than pre-conflict levels – approximately 110 trucks compared to over 500 before October 7, 2023.

Aid workers have also reported instances of Israeli forces obstructing aid deliveries, including the alleged targeting of supplies intended for infants. These reports, while difficult to independently verify due to access restrictions, add weight to the claims that the primary impediment to aid is not theft, but rather restrictions imposed by Israel. The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that over 576,600 people in Gaza (25% of the population) are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity (Phase 5 on the IPC scale) as of February 2024.

The US government maintains its position, asserting that even if Israel is imposing restrictions, Hamas bears responsibility for the overall humanitarian situation due to its alleged diversion of aid. This stance is often framed within the context of Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7th attacks by Hamas. However,critics argue that this justification fails to address the disproportionate impact on civilians and the obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure access to essential supplies.

The situation is further elaborate by the ongoing conflict and the displacement of over 1.7 million Palestinians within gaza, according to UNRWA. This displacement creates logistical challenges for aid distribution, even if sufficient supplies were allowed to enter. The lack of fuel, essential for operating hospitals, water purification plants, and aid delivery trucks, is also a critical concern.

The accusations and counter-accusations highlight a deeply polarized situation, with both sides attempting to shape the narrative and deflect blame. The US continues to provide significant military aid to Israel, totaling $3.8 billion annually, raising questions about its impartiality in addressing the humanitarian crisis. The long-term consequences of the aid blockage and the resulting food insecurity remain a significant concern for the international community.